10 Travel Security Checks to Make Before You Leave Home
Good travel security starts before you reach the airport.
Taking a little time to prepare before leaving home can help you avoid unnecessary problems and make you better prepared if something unexpected happens during your journey.
Secure World Travel recommends making security part of your normal travel preparation — whether you are travelling alone, with your family or for business.
1. Check your important travel documents
Make sure passports, visas, tickets, insurance information and other essential documents are valid and readily available. Keep secure copies separately from the originals where appropriate.
2. Research your destination
Learn about your destination before travelling, including local conditions, laws, customs, transport arrangements and areas where additional caution may be appropriate.
3. Plan your journey from the airport
Know how you intend to travel from the airport or station to your accommodation. Arriving somewhere unfamiliar is not the ideal time to start working out your transport arrangements.
4. Review your accommodation
Know the name, address and contact information for where you are staying. Consider its location and how you will travel between your accommodation and the places you intend to visit.
5. Prepare emergency contact information
Keep important telephone numbers and emergency information somewhere you can access even if your main phone is lost, stolen or unavailable.
6. Think about your money and payment methods
Avoid relying on only one means of payment. Consider how you would manage if a card were lost, blocked or stolen while you were away.
7. Prepare your phone and other devices
Protect phones, tablets and laptops with appropriate security settings. Business travellers should give additional consideration to company information and equipment they carry.
8. Make a family separation plan
Families should discuss what to do if they become separated in an airport, attraction or other busy location. Children should know who they can safely approach for help.
9. Secure your home before departure
Think carefully about doors, windows, valuables, deliveries and anything that could make it obvious that the property is unoccupied.
10. Have a plan for the unexpected
Ask yourself a simple question before travelling: What would I do if something went wrong? A little preparation can make an unexpected situation much easier to manage.
Know Before You Go
Travel security does not mean being frightened of travelling. It means being prepared, remaining aware and making sensible decisions.
Want to prepare beyond the checklist?
The Secure World Travel Guide provides more comprehensive practical travel-security guidance covering the journey from preparation before departure through to returning home.
Discover the Secure World Travel Guide